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Goa was named as Golden Goa by the Portuguese. It was once an important Portuguese colony. The Portuguese were driven by their desire to spread their faith to the local population. Hence the culture of Goa is deeply influenced by Portuguese culture. However, In spite of remaining under Portuguese control for so long, majority of the people in Goa are still Hindu. Though, strong catholic influences are visible everywhere in the art, culture, and society. . Modern day Goa, a state of India, is a quaint blend of tradition, religion and modernity. Hindu temples are as much a part of Goa as are Christian monuments. The culture of Goa today is a synthesis of Portuguese and Indian cultures. Culture With A Difference The people of Goa enjoy life to the fullest. They are vivacious, amiable and friendly. Even though the people belong to different faiths, sects and cultural backgrounds, their living spirits knits them together unlike other places in India. 'Siesta' is an important part of life in Goa. From 1pm to 4pm the shops are closed. Before the evening meal, it is a common practice for the young and old to join together in singing devotional songs. Christian music in the Goa originated out of the Church and the Goan music as one knows today is only this form of music. One will find that every village has it s own band. A common culture that one would find in every household is the strumming of guitar or the soft melody of piano either after the meal or before dinner. The people enjoy a glass of wine and a peg of fenny. Forms Of Cultural Enjoyment In Goa The culture of Goa is extremely rich in traditional folk dances and the western dances. Some of the popular dance forms of Goa are the Bhandad, Corredinho, Dekhni, Fugdi , Dashavatar, Lamp Dance, Tonvamel, and Morulem. However due to the strong Roman Catholic influences, most of the festivals of Goa are Christianity-specific. Shigmo, the Goanese version of Holi, is celebrated in the month of February/March. . The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles, celebrated 16 days after Easter, is secular by nature and is celebrated with pomp and gaiety by both Hindus and Christians. The main attraction of the festival comes when devotees of Goddess Lairaya walk across burning coals to prove their devotion.
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